East African Pipeline Has Reached Near Completion
The massive energy infrastructure project is now 92.7 percent complete as it prepares for operations.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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The East African Crude Oil Pipeline project has reached 92.7 percent completion, connecting Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanga. The infrastructure will feature four storage tanks with a combined capacity of two million barrels.
Why it matters
The project represents a significant industrial development for the region, having already generated 10,000 jobs and awarding contracts to over 200 local companies. It further contributes to government revenue through over 100 billion shillings in collected taxes and fees.
The project has created 10,000 total construction jobs, with 7,500 positions held by Tanzanian citizens. Additionally, 200 Tanzanian firms secured contracts valued at more than 1.325 trillion shillings.
The players
Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation
This state-owned entity manages the nation's oil and gas interests and maintains a 15 percent stake in the pipeline project.
The details
The pipeline transports crude oil from Hoima, Uganda, to the terminal at Chongoleani in Tanga. The development also includes a corporate social responsibility water project costing 4.4 billion shillings that serves more than 26,000 people.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Official project status update provided in Dodoma.
December 2026: First crude oil expected to reach the Ugandan pumping station.
February 2027: First crude oil expected to arrive at the Tanga terminal.
March 2027: Loading of the first oil consignment onto a tanker is expected to begin.
Market Landscape
This project represents a major advancement in regional energy logistics by establishing a direct export route for landlocked crude oil. The infrastructure consolidates the regional energy supply chain, positioning Tanga as a critical hub for international petroleum exports.
The project impacts regional economic growth by prioritizing local Tanzanian contractors and labor. Residents in areas surrounding the infrastructure also benefit from dedicated utility investments, such as the new water project.
The takeaway
The rapid progress of this pipeline highlights the growing role of cross-border energy infrastructure in East Africa's industrial expansion. Continued monitoring of the upcoming 2027 operational milestones will indicate how effectively the pipeline scales for international markets.
What happens next
The project timeline anticipates the first arrival of crude oil at the Ugandan pumping station in December 2026, followed by arrival at the Tanga terminal in February 2027, and the commencement of tanker loading in March 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest infrastructure developments in the Oil and Gas sector.
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